The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) Board of Trustees has publicly disclaimed two individuals it says are falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the association, while reiterating its commitment to a legal challenge against AREWA24 TV Channel over licensing and brand use.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, NBMOA BOT said it was compelled to respond to a recent statement by AREWA24 and to clarify the misrepresentation created by two individuals — Amb. Yusuf Mamman, Chairman of JKD TV and Hamada Radio FM, and Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, Chairman of the Arewa Broadcast Media Owners and Practitioners Forum (ABMPF).
The association said neither man is a member, trustee, official, or authorized spokesperson of NBMOA.
“Their publicly circulated personal statements regarding NBMOA do not represent the views, positions, or interests of this association,” the statement read. It added that ABMPF is a separate organization entirely and has no mandate to speak on NBMOA’s behalf.
NBMOA said the misrepresentation has been “weaponised” by those seeking to undermine its legitimate standing and urged the public and regulatory institutions to disregard the statements.
Legal Battle Over ‘AREWA’ and ‘HAUSA’ Branding
The association reaffirmed its long-standing position against what it describes as the “bastardizing and cloning” of the “AREWA” and “HAUSA” names as brands by foreign interests with local collaborators. It said the issue of AREWA24’s operations in Nigeria’s broadcast and advertising space — particularly concerning licensing, local content compliance, and the protection of indigenous Hausa and Muslim cultural and religious values — is already a matter before the courts.
“We have consistently and in good faith engaged all legitimate channels available to us, including petitions to the President, the Minister of Information, the National Security Adviser, NBC, ARCON, EFCC, FIRS, and finally recourse to the courts,” NBMOA stated.
While declining to comment in detail on AREWA24’s recent press statement due to the ongoing litigation, NBMOA said the broadcaster’s conduct reflects a pattern it has documented and will continue to pursue through the judiciary. “We have full confidence in the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary to examine the facts without the aid of press statements,” it said.
Call for Regulatory Fairness
NBMOA emphasized that its legal action is in defense of licensed indigenous broadcast operators in Northern Nigeria who pay taxes, employ Nigerians, and contribute to the region’s cultural and social fabric. It called on the Federal Government, NBC, and ARCON to ensure a level playing field for both foreign and domestic operators in strict accordance with Nigerian law.
The association also placed security agencies on notice, warning that any threats or intimidation against its Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, or other officials would be reported to the authorities.
“We are a registered, lawful, and principled association, and we shall continue to pursue our mandate through every legitimate channel available to us,” the statement said.
